I was excited to have my niece visit us from New York. Of course, she came to see her favorite aunt and uncle, but she also wanted to experience a few relational gatherings here in the Phoenix area. While sharing her testimony, the group noticed it was more of a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit rather than a lightning strike leading to immediate conversion. God works in many ways, as my good friend Krista Lynn shares below.
Considering Jessica’s testimony the other night, the idea of using a slow cooker and an Instant Pot came to mind. To make a chuck roast tender and juicy, you can either cook it in a slow cooker for 8 to 10 hours or use an Instant Pot for under an hour. Although the cooking methods differ, they yield the same result: a delicious dinner! Depending on the cut of meat, each cook assesses and creates what they believe will taste best, adding specific seasonings and aromatics to enhance the flavor. I can’t help but imagine God in His heavenly kitchen-who created us, chose us, and knows us intimately-preparing us as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him.
As followers of Jesus, we each have unique stories of how the Lord found us. No two stories are the same. I love this because it reminds me of our Creator, who formed us in the womb and knows every detail of our lives and every thought we have ever had. He knows how to speak to us and how to draw us to Him. It is truly beautiful.
For some people, there is a particular moment they recall-something we Southern folks refer to as a “Come to Jesus” moment. It is a significant event, whether an encounter with Jesus or a conversation with someone, where the “light” turns on in the soul and change happens instantly. It is like night and day-a complete 180-degree transformation.
For others, the transformation was neither instant nor monumental but rather a gradual process that could take months or even years to fully welcome Jesus and allow Him to change us. It was a season of life composed of small moments during which the heart was gently softened until it was completely surrendered to Him. The change is slow but steady.
Think back on how the Lord prepared you-was it an instant transformation or a gradual process? Be encouraged for your loved ones who are still lost or have wandered away, and continue to intercede on their behalf. Whatever way He chooses to prepare us, let us agree: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 NASB)
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